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On December 8, 2024, a group of six F-35B fighter jets, comprising four from VMFA-214 “Black Sheep” and two from VMX-1, departed from Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona. Accompanied by two C-17 transport aircraft from the 97th Airlift Squadron, they headed toward San Clemente Island (SCI), a strategic military outpost approximately 65 miles off the coast of San Diego known for training and weapons development. Prior to the C-17s’ landing, the F-35Bs engaged in simulated combat against hypothetical adversary forces, also known as ‘red air’, to ensure safe passage for the transport aircraft.
Upon arriving at the SCI airfield, the Marine pilots and their teams would put various tactical procedures to the test while adjusting their techniques for future deployments. They would live in temporary tents and rely on Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) to sustain themselves, practicing conditions similar to those expected in actual combat scenarios on the Pacific front.
The War Zone was granted exclusive access to observe the operations and support strategies for the F-35Bs in this austere setting, highlighting the evolving United States Marine Corps (USMC) approach to Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) and showcasing their capabilities in a potential future conflict.
Engaging the Adversary
The War Zone conversed with Lt. Col. Robert “Champ” Guyette, commanding officer of VMFA-214, about the synergistic relationship between the U.S. Air Force’s heavy transport assets and the agile tactical airpower available to the Marines during these operations.
Guyette explained, “While it’s not typical for Marine tactical aviation to collaborate closely with the C-17, we have built a solid partnership with the 97th Reserve unit. This collaboration began about a year and a half ago and has involved various training objectives and detachments to maximize our capabilities.”
From the Marines’ perspective, the C-17 is vital for tactical heavy lift missions, which play a crucial role in their expeditionary plans. “Using the C-17 allows us to transport our entire unit along with necessary equipment and refueling systems right into the heart of operations,” he added.
The aircraft, designed to utilize short landing strips, with features that include high-lift wings and thrust reversers, is a valuable asset for mission requirements in varied environments. The C-17 can transport heavy payloads and facilitate rapid supply operations, essential for maintaining combat effectiveness.
All F-35Bs utilized Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities during the exercise, launching from shortened simulated runways that presented their own challenges. The Marines successfully mitigated foreign object debris (FOD) risks during takeoff, ensuring the aircraft’s safe operations in a highly contested environment.
The training on SCI particularized the operational essence of EABO, as the Marines aimed to establish a forward node capable of facilitating ongoing military exercises and strategic maneuvers in support of the overarching Steel Knight 24 exercise.
Guyette summed up their mission strategy as a three-phase operation: “Fight in, fight from, fight out,” emphasizing the necessity of preparing to engage adversaries while executing mission objectives efficiently.
Executing Offensive and Defensive Operations
Day two involved VMFA-214 executing a long-range strike against a simulated target, with coordination among the F-35Bs, F-15E Strike Eagles, and F/A-18s. Capt. Christopher “Mellen” Streicher described the complexity of working with multiple airframes to combat the red air threat while successfully completing their strike objectives.
He highlighted that efficient tasking between the F-35s and follow-on missions from F/A-18s is critical for maximizing their respective capabilities. The integration of targeting data-sharing and the dynamics of coordinated strikes played a pivotal role in conducting their mission effectively.
Guyette explained their approach, “The focus is on leveraging each aircraft’s strengths through a well-coordinated plan, aiming to find, engage, and assess targets systematically.” This integrated effort is essential to establishing an adaptive response in unpredictable combat scenarios.
During the exercises, they simulated combat with a variety of opposing forces, enabling them to adapt their tactics and refine their operational strategies in real-time conditions.
Concluding Operations and Lessons Learned
As the training concluded, the Marines quickly packed up and prepared for the C-17s’ return from Yuma. They efficiently loaded their equipment while ensuring the F-35Bs remained combat-ready. Major Mike “Harvey” Savage highlighted the planning challenges, particularly the need for pre-execution strategies to navigate logistical hurdles effectively.
Throughout the exercise, the invaluable role of communication and the effective use of modern technology were apparent. The capability of the MTC-X (Maritime Targeting Cell – Expeditionary) system was put to the test, aimed at enhancing connectivity and data-sharing among various operational units.
In analyzing the overall experience, Guyette reflected on the historical implications of training on an island reminiscent of WWII operations. He emphasized the significance of adapting to modern warfare conditions while retaining foundational military principles.
The collaborative operations by VMFA-214 and their partners illustrate the ongoing efforts to improve readiness and adaptability in a highly dynamic environment. As technologies evolve, the ability of the Marines to effectively train and execute complex missions remains a cornerstone of their strategic capabilities.
Looking ahead, the Black Sheep squadron continues to build upon its rich legacy, preparing for potential future engagements in increasingly complex scenarios characterized by the challenges faced in today’s geopolitical landscape.
Source
www.yahoo.com